On April 5th, the launch of Rum Runners Cafe, a fresh dining establishment radiating the ambience of the 1920s prohibition era and art deco aesthetic, has been announced. Expected to commence online orders within the upcoming month, the restaurant will be situated at 2318 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering.

The venue utilized to be the former location of Christopher’s Restaurant.

Driving the upcoming restaurant, Jamie Campbell, along with her partner, have dreamt of owning a restaurant for almost ten years. They are thrilled to bring this vision to life. Campbell boasts a career that spans seven years in teaching and 15 years in the culinary industry.

A shared fondness for rum inspired the naming of the restaurant. The entrepreneurial duo also offer a rum-infused BBQ sauce product line. Originated from a family BBQ sauce recipe, the range has developed over the years, leading to their sauces being sold at Dorothy Lane Market. Rum Runners Sauces are available in Sweet Rum, Honey Rum, and Spicy Rum. An upcoming addition is a Rum and Coke glaze, to be made available at Dot’s Market in due course.

Campbell characterizes herself as an avid enthusiast of history. Her restaurant shall imbibe the aesthetics of the 1920s prohibition period, echoing an art deco design featuring a “Great Gatsby” vibe. Menu items such as burgers will draw inspiration from gangsters, chicken sandwiches from flapper girls and female rum runners, whereas loaded baked potatoes will be a homage to Irish mafia figures.

This local family-run establishment also plans to serve appetizers comprising wings, crispy fried pickles, classic fries and sweet potato fries. Campbell intends to commence operations in June and wishes to extend the menu further with salmon, pasta and refreshing salads.

Besides, this varied menu is a carefully curated blend of traditional family recipes passed through generations and some that Campbell has been perfecting over the past ten years.

Campbell asserted, “It is my wish for everyone to relish the food and their experience at our establishment. We find a diverse range of restaurants in the vicinity, but several of them are chain outlets. There’s nothing inherently wrong with such arrangements, but I possess an affinity for local, grassroots-level ‘mom and pop’ places.”

Last December Campbell signed a five-year lease for the 3,500-square-foot space that is expected to seat up to 75 people. She and her partner have been remodeling the space and appreciate the community’s response.

The new restaurant is not affiliated with Rum Runners which was once located in Fairborn.

For more information and updates, visit Rum Runners Cafe’s Facebook page.